Philip Leong OAM
DESCRIPTION
NamePhilip Leong OAMDescriptionPhilip Leong OAM was born in 1917 in the village of Chobin in Guangdong province, China. He arrived in Townsville with his parents in 1936 where they set up a grocery store on the corner of Ackers St and Charters Towers Road, now home to Hermit Park Shopping Centre. Philip completed his schooling at Christian Brothers College and took over the family business when his parents returned to China in 1944. Leong introduced self service to Townsville supermarkets and was also one of the founding retailers of the Independent Grocery Association (today’s IGA). He built a large warehouse to use as a wholesale distribution centre and ultimately grew the business to a chain of six supermarkets across Townsville. In 1981 the Leong family sold the various supermarket businesses to Woolworths.
Philip Leong was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1998, a year before he died. Place of BirthChobin, Guangdong, China
Philip Leong was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1998, a year before he died. Place of BirthChobin, Guangdong, China
People and Families
Collection
Philip Leong sitting on a truck, Townsville, 1940's
CONNECTIONS
FamilyLeong Family
Philip Leong OAM. Townsville City Council, accessed 14/10/2024, https://stories.townsville.qld.gov.au/nodes/view/19984